After a pregame-conversation with Schafer, Mills decided against the change.

“I had a good talk with (Schafer) about hitting, doing the things he needs to do, trying to get back to doing some of the things he was doing earlier in the season when he was such an effective leadoff hitter,” Mills said. “It seems like he’s been hitting fly balls instead of the line drives and hard ground balls. It’s almost like — and these aren’t the words I used with him — he’s been a little anxious at the plate. That’s not the approach he had in spring training or the first part of the season.”

Schafer batted once — a strikeout –struck out in his only at-bat before leaving the game with an injury to his right ankle after he and right fielder Justin Maxwell bumped into each other trying to catch a David Murphy ball in the right-center gap that turned into an inside-the-park home run. X-rays on the ankle were negative, and the Astros will update his condition after more testing on Monday.

Mills shuffles lineup

Even with Jordan Schafer and Jose Altuve staying put in the batting order, there was plenty of change afoot.

Justin Maxwell was in the No. 3 spot for the first time of the season, playing in right field, smashed a two-run home run in the fifth inning. Left fielder J.D Martinez, who had four hits in his first 41 May at-bats after starting the season as the No. 3 hitter, dropped to seventh. Matt Downs got the start at third base in place of Chris Johnson, who has been having a solid May (16-for-53, .302, entering Saturday).

“I don’t want to sit here and spin it,” manager Brad Mills said. “I’m trying to take a little pressure of J.D., see if that helps him.”

Mills said he has been planning on getting Downs into the lineup at some point the past three or four days.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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May 20: Rangers 6, Astros 1

Astros' Justin Maxwell reacts after being called out on strikes by umpire Brian Runge in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

May 20: Rangers 6, Astros 1

Astros' Justin Maxwell reacts after being called out on strikes by umpire Brian Runge in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

Image 2 of 48

The Texas Rangers Ian Kinsler scores the first of five runs in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Texas Rangers Ian Kinsler scores the first of five runs in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Jordan Lyles pitches in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Astros Jordan Lyles pitches in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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Catcher Jason Castro approaches pitcher Jordan Lyles after Lyles hit the Rangers Yorvit Torrealba in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Catcher Jason Castro approaches pitcher Jordan Lyles after Lyles hit the Rangers Yorvit Torrealba in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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Center fielder Justin Maxwell bobbles the ball hit by Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis next to Right fielder Brian Bogusevic, left, in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

Center fielder Justin Maxwell bobbles the ball hit by Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis next to Right fielder Brian Bogusevic, left, in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Jordan Lyles stands on the mound after giving up five runs in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Astros Jordan Lyles stands on the mound after giving up five runs in the first inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Carlos Lee fumbles the Rangers Michael Young foul ball in front of the face of the Astros Jose Altuve in the second inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

The Astros Carlos Lee fumbles the Rangers Michael Young foul ball in front of the face of the Astros Jose Altuve in the second inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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Pitcher Jordan Lyles looks on as David Murphy rounds third base after he hit a home run in the fifth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Pitcher Jordan Lyles looks on as David Murphy rounds third base after he hit a home run in the fifth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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David Murphy is congratulated by manager Ron Washington, left, and Elvis Andrus, right, after Murphy hit a home run in the fifth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

David Murphy is congratulated by manager Ron Washington, left, and Elvis Andrus, right, after Murphy hit a home run in the fifth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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J.A. Happ is called out on strikes in the fifth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

J.A. Happ is called out on strikes in the fifth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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A fan catches a Carlos Lee foul ball behind the Texas Rangers dugout in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

A fan catches a Carlos Lee foul ball behind the Texas Rangers dugout in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Justin Maxwell watches the ball bounce off the plate before striking out in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Astros Justin Maxwell watches the ball bounce off the plate before striking out in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Justin Maxwell reacts after being called out on strikes by umpire Brian Runge in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Astros Justin Maxwell reacts after being called out on strikes by umpire Brian Runge in the seventh inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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Josh Hamilton watches his ball fall into the outfield for a single in the eighth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Josh Hamilton watches his ball fall into the outfield for a single in the eighth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Astros Carlos Lee gesture holds a tag onto the Texas Rangers Nelson Cruz, after he thought they had turned a double play in the ninth inning that was called as one out during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

The Astros Carlos Lee gesture holds a tag onto the Texas Rangers Nelson Cruz, after he thought they had turned a double play in the ninth inning that was called as one out during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Jose Altuve (27), Jed Lowrie (4), and Carlos Lee gesture to an umpire after they thought they had turned a double play in the ninth inning that was called as one out during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

The Astros Jose Altuve (27), Jed Lowrie (4), and Carlos Lee gesture to an umpire after they thought they had turned a double play in the ninth inning that was called as one out during the Houston Astros 6-1 ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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A fan catches the home run hit by the Astros Jed Lowrie as the Rangers Nelson Cruz attempts to make a play on the ball in the ninth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park Sunday. less

A fan catches the home run hit by the Astros Jed Lowrie as the Rangers Nelson Cruz attempts to make a play on the ball in the ninth inning during the Houston Astros 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid ... more

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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Texas Rangers fans stand and applaud the outing of starting picture Colby Lewis after he was taken out in the ninth inning during the Rangers 6-1 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Texas Rangers fans stand and applaud the outing of starting picture Colby Lewis after he was taken out in the ninth inning during the Rangers 6-1 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Astros Chris Snyder sits with his hands on his head in the dugout in the ninth inning during the Texas Rangers 6-1 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Astros Chris Snyder sits with his hands on his head in the dugout in the ninth inning during the Texas Rangers 6-1 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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The Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton high-fives teammate Michael Young while celebrating their 6-1 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

The Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton high-fives teammate Michael Young while celebrating their 6-1 win over the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park Sunday.

Photo: Johnny Hanson / Chronicle

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Astros 6, Rangers 5

Astros 6, Rangers 5

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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The Rangers bats weren't silent Saturday.

The Rangers bats weren't silent Saturday.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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The Astros took Game 2 of the series on Saturday.

The Astros took Game 2 of the series on Saturday.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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The rivalry continues at Minute Maid Park on Saturday.

The rivalry continues at Minute Maid Park on Saturday.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Snyder goes deep with his homer.

Chris Snyder goes deep with his homer.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Dan Murphy makes the rounds after an inside the park HR.

Dan Murphy makes the rounds after an inside the park HR.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Jed Lowrie makes another big play.

Jed Lowrie makes another big play.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Justin Maxwell smashes a two-run homer.

Justin Maxwell smashes a two-run homer.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Lucas Harrell picked up the win to improve his record to 3-3.

Lucas Harrell picked up the win to improve his record to 3-3.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Travis Buck connects off a pitch.

Travis Buck connects off a pitch.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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May 18: Rangers 4, Astros 1

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, left, dives to save the ball as Jordan Schafer (1) steals third during the first inning.

May 18: Rangers 4, Astros 1

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, left, dives to save the ball as Jordan Schafer (1) steals third during the first inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Astros reliever Fernando Rodriguez (43) makes a sad face as Texas' Adrian Beltre (29) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning.

Astros reliever Fernando Rodriguez (43) makes a sad face as Texas' Adrian Beltre (29) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Rangers fans celebrate after Astros pinch hitter Travis Buck (6) strikes out to end the game.

Rangers fans celebrate after Astros pinch hitter Travis Buck (6) strikes out to end the game.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) and his teammates congratulate each other after beating the Astros.

Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) and his teammates congratulate each other after beating the Astros.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 36 of 48

Jose Altuve (27) is greeted with an assortment of hands after scoring a run during the third inning.

Jose Altuve (27) is greeted with an assortment of hands after scoring a run during the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) throws a pitch during the first inning.

Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) throws a pitch during the first inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Texas' Elvis Andrus (1) is hit by a pitch during the top of the ninth inning.

Texas' Elvis Andrus (1) is hit by a pitch during the top of the ninth inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) keeps his eye on Texas' Ian Kinsler (5) as he tags Kinsler out on an attempt at a double during the sixth inning.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) keeps his eye on Texas' Ian Kinsler (5) as he tags Kinsler out on an attempt at a double during the sixth inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 40 of 48

Rangers starting pitcher Neftali Feliz (30) looks at his bench after walking Jed Lowrie (4) during the fifth inning. Feliz was taken out of the game.

Rangers starting pitcher Neftali Feliz (30) looks at his bench after walking Jed Lowrie (4) during the fifth inning. Feliz was taken out of the game.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

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Rangers president/CEO and former Astro Nolan Ryan throws the first pitch before the game.

Rangers president/CEO and former Astro Nolan Ryan throws the first pitch before the game.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 42 of 48

Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) walks back to the dugout after striking out when the bases were full during the second inning.

Astros starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez (51) walks back to the dugout after striking out when the bases were full during the second inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 48

Former Astros Craig Biggio, left, and Nolan Ryan, who's also the principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers, talk before the game.

Former Astros Craig Biggio, left, and Nolan Ryan, who's also the principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers, talk before the game.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 48

Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) shakes hands with Rangers catcher Mike Napoli (25) after he scored a run during the third inning.

Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) shakes hands with Rangers catcher Mike Napoli (25) after he scored a run during the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 45 of 48

Jose Altuve, right, jumps for a high-five from Chris Johnson after scoring a run during the third inning.

Jose Altuve, right, jumps for a high-five from Chris Johnson after scoring a run during the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 46 of 48

Carlos Lee gives the home plate umpire a look after a strike was called during the third inning.

Carlos Lee gives the home plate umpire a look after a strike was called during the third inning.

Photo: Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle

Image 47 of 48

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) jumps to wrangle a high throw as Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) steals second base during the third inning.

Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) jumps to wrangle a high throw as Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton (32) steals second base during the third inning.